Daffodils -

sunny

Registered User
Sep 1, 2006
598
0
I have just come across an article about the biggest breeder of daffodils Jaap Leenen in the Netherlands and was surprised to see the following paragraph:-

"The roots and the bulbs are very clean, the clean bulbs are necessary to prepare galantamine he said, referring to the substance found in daffodils used to treat Alzheimer's disease."

It is in fact the drug Reminyl. I just thought this was an interesting titbit.
 

Skye

Registered User
Aug 29, 2006
17,000
0
SW Scotland
There appears to be some confusion here!:confused:

Galantamine comes originally from snowdrop bulbs (the latin name for snowdrop is Galanthus nivalis).

I've read your link, Sylvia, and it definitely states that it comes from daffodils, so perhaps they contain a similar ingredient.:confused:
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,447
0
Kent
Hi Hazel. Are snowdrops from the Narcissus family of bulbs? Perhaps that`s the connection.
 

jenniferpa

Registered User
Jun 27, 2006
39,442
0
They can also get it from Spider Lilies. I imagine that as daffodils have larger bulbs, it's more economic to use them rather than snowdrops, but why these diverse species have the same compound is beyond me. Perhaps it's a function of being a bulb?
 

Skye

Registered User
Aug 29, 2006
17,000
0
SW Scotland
Quote from Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galanthus

"An active substance in snowdrop is called galantamine, which, as anticholinesterase, could have acted as an antidote to Circe's poisons. Galantamine (or galanthamine) can be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, though it is not a cure; the substance also occurs naturally in daffodils and other narcissi."

Mystery solved!
 

TinaT

Registered User
Sep 27, 2006
7,097
0
Costa Blanca Spain
How very interesting and what erudite talking point members we are privilaged to have. I often wonder how our ancestors who first used the various plants slowly discovered which worked, at what strength and for what disease. Nature at its most complex and fascinating

xx TinaT
 

Gromit

Registered User
Apr 3, 2006
187
0
Edinburgh
Made in edinburgh

Just thought you might be interested to know that my husband's friend actually is in charge of production (signs off on quality assurance for human consumption!) for guess what.......... yep Reminyl.

It is produced up here in Edinburgh.

I'm going to get some information from him on the drug if I can as my Dad has been prescribed it. I hadn't realised that our friend was producing these drugs! Small world eh?

He works shifts so it may be a few days before I manage to get in touch with him - but I will keep you all posted.

I'm sure he would have more information on other drugs too - let me know if anyone would like me to ask on their behalf.

Kind regards

Alison
 

Gromit

Registered User
Apr 3, 2006
187
0
Edinburgh
Some info that might be interesting

I spoke to my friend last night and found out the following:

It takes 134 tonnes of daffodil bulbs (which is what they use up here in Edinburgh to produce Reminyl) to produce 37 kilos of ingredient.

Then 1 kilo of ingredient will produce 20,000 tablets.

In order for the bulbs to successfully produce Galantamine they have to have suffered a frost. The bulbs therefore that are suitable are only grown in UK, Holland and Belgium.

Japan has been manufacturing synthetic galantamine however this would be prone to impurities and the UK guidance states that only natural ingredients can be signed off as fit for human consumption.

Reminyl attacks the enzym that destroys the neurotransmitter (messenger). It also competes with the production of the enzym.

Aricept increases neurotransmitters.

Hope the above was of interest.

If anyone wants to know anymore let me know.

Alison
 

CraigC

Registered User
Mar 21, 2003
6,633
0
London
Hi All,

This is fascinating. I did a bit of research on aricept when it was prescribed to dad. It was overwhelming the amount of research and information on the web. What it taught me is that the drugs prescribed for alzhiemers do not suit everyone and every case is individual and needs constant monitoring. Great to find out more about the sources/manufacturing though.

I'm always a little nervous about discussing dads medication in case someone reads it as medical advice or takes it too literally. Hence my caveat for the day :)

The more we learn about these drugs the better in my opinion. And that goes for any prescribed drugs or over the counter drugs.

Kind Regards
Craig

--------------------
None of the moderators and few group members, are medical professionals. This forum is not meant to substitute professional medical advice. You MUST consult qualified doctors or specialist for diagnosis, treatment, and further advice that is appropriate for you. The information provided through this forum should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.
 

sunny

Registered User
Sep 1, 2006
598
0
Thanks

Alison,
134 tonnes of daffodil bulbs. "Blooming" heck!
Great info. I shall look at daffs. with different eyes now. regardsxxxxxx
 

cynron

Registered User
Sep 26, 2005
429
0
east sussex
Some Daffodils

AROUND OUR VILLAGE SIGN THIS SPRING.

cCynron X X
 

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connie

Registered User
Mar 7, 2004
9,519
0
Frinton-on-Sea
Dear Cynron, thank you for your very cheery picture of the daffodils. You must always have your camera with you, you have such a keen eye for a photograph.

Love 'hugs
 

cynron

Registered User
Sep 26, 2005
429
0
east sussex
daffs

Dear Connie.

These particular daffs have a place in my heart as my husband and i with others planted them. We also co ordinated the 2000 sign for the village,visiting the blacksmith and accepting the oak post that the Conservators of the forest donated.

Cynron x x